The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 134

Chapter 134   Elio’s Charge

“What is the meaning of this, Mr. Hyde?”

Medes had gone to protest to a familiar councilman, Hyde, about the “Spirit Workshop” establishing an atelier right next to “Dragon’s Ember.”

“Weren’t we supposed to have an agreement that no one but us would be permitted to open an atelier on that main street leading to the port?”

“Well, you see, the situation has changed.”

Hyde responded nonchalantly.

“With the increasing number of external adventurer guilds coming to the island and the remarkable growth of local adventurers, there’s been a call for another atelier near the port. So, it was decided that the rising ‘Spirit Workshop’ should take on that role.”

“There’s no need for two ateliers in that area! We can handle all the alchemical demand from external clients on our own.”

“That may be, but the local adventurer guilds themselves have requested that ‘Spirit Workshop’ build a new atelier.”

“What?!”

“Bring the documents.”

“Yes, sir.”

Hyde had his secretary produce some documents, which he then read aloud.

“‘The alchemists of the ‘Spirit Workshop’—Aina Burke, Wayne Melzer, Pat Garcia, and Lina Hart—are all expected to receive A-class alchemist certification within this term.'”

“What?!”

“With such promising alchemists under their wing, wouldn’t it be a disgrace to the island if we didn’t grant them an atelier? So, how about stepping back this time, Mr. Medes?”

“Ugh…”

(That Laurent, spreading lies again. There’s no way he can suddenly produce multiple A-class alchemists. And Hyde—normally, he wouldn’t fall for such an obvious scam. Could it be that Lauent bribed him?)

However, Hyde hadn’t taken any bribes.

His approval ratings among the residents had recently declined, and he needed a new voter base for the next election.

The “Spirit Workshop” and the local adventurer alliance they led had come along as a perfect opportunity.

(The popularity of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance has been soaring lately. Supporting their activities would surely boost my image and increase my votes. Meanwhile, ‘Dragon’s Ember’ has started to attract unsavory rumors and is clearly on the decline. I have to think carefully about my future moves. Don’t take it personally, Medes.)

Just before “Spirit Workshop” revealed its full plan, Lizetta visited Ranju.

After resigning from “Dragon’s Ember,” Lizetta had been independently gathering information, seeking a new place to make her mark. During this process, she heard rumors that “Spirit Workshop” was setting up a new atelier.

“You want to join us?”

Ranju eyed Lizetta with suspicion as he handled the unexpected visitor.

“Yes. I thought ‘Spirit Workshop’ might be looking to hire new alchemists.”

“I don’t recall making any such announcement…”

“I’ve heard that ‘Spirit Worshop’ is establishing a new atelier. If that’s the case, wouldn’t the current staff be insufficient?”

(This girl… where did she get this information?)

“By the way… is Mr. Laurent around?”

Lizetta asked in a somewhat formal tone.

“Mr. Laurent is currently leading the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance on a dungeon expedition.”

“Oh, is that so? What a shame. I was hoping to speak with him again after so long.”

“You know Mr. Laurent?”

“Yes. When he returns, please tell him that Lizetta came by to fulfill a previous promise.”

“A promise? What kind of…?”

“I’d rather not discuss it here.”

(What’s her relationship with Mr. Laurent?)

As Ranju’s suspicion grew, Aina entered the room.

“Ranju, about the new atelier… Oh? Aren’t you Lizetta?”

“Ugh, Aina…”

“Huh? You two know each other?”

“Yes, well, sort of.”

Aina smiled sweetly.

Lizetta’s expression turned uneasy.

Aina then turned to face Lizetta with a triumphant look.

“Lizetta, you said it yourself back then, didn’t you? If an alchemist from our atelier ever defeated your equipment, you’d agree to transfer to our atelier. It seems my ‘Entangling Flexible Shield’ captured your ‘Fire Spear.’ So, what do you think? Are you ready to admit that Laurent and I might actually be better?”

“Grr…”

Lizetta looked frustrated for a moment but quickly regained her composure.

“Well, it’s true that the adventurer using my equipment lost. Fine, I’ll concede this defeat for now. But this isn’t over yet. Under Laurent’s guidance at ‘Spirit Workshop,’ I’ll create equipment far superior to yours.”

Aina frowned slightly.

(Why are the people from ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ like Wayne, so prideful? They just can’t admit when they lose.)

“Well, whatever. So, you’ll transfer to our atelier as promised. I’m not sure what will happen when Laurent returns, but I welcome you. Just know that even as colleagues, I won’t lose to you. Be prepared.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Ranju, unable to keep up with their conversation, wore a perplexed expression.

(I have no idea what’s going on. Laurent, what are you up to?)

Meanwhile, inside the “Volcano Dungeon,” Laurent and his team had finished gathering ore and were preparing to descend.

Once again, they planned to lure the ‘Grand Alliance’ in close and then pass them off to ‘White Wolf,’ shifting the burden onto them.

But this time, ‘White Wolf’ didn’t fall for Laurent’s plan.

Instead, they directed their main forces against the Spirit Workshop Alliance.

Having already lost a third of their strength, the ‘Grand Alliance’ was barely hanging on.

Jamil decided that their priority should be to target the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance.

Ambushes of ‘arrow volleys’ and the sudden assault of the ‘Fire Dragon’ from the mountainside struck the Spirit Workshop Alliance.

“It’s the ‘Fire Dragon’!”

“It’s coming from the mountain’s shadow!”

“Arrows from the other side—it’s ‘White Wolf’!”

The adventurers of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance scrambled to respond to the ambush and surprise attack by ‘White Wolf.’

With the addition of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ it became a daunting task to protect the now-expanded alliance.

Nicola’s ‘Dragon Tone’ couldn’t cover the entire formation, so the ‘Fire Dragon’s’ ‘Fire Breath’ frequently caused chaos at the edges of the alliance.

Laurent led the center, Leon commanded the rear, and Euphene was in charge of the front line. However, ‘White Wolf’ expertly exploited the weak points in the connections between these units, using the terrain to gradually sap the alliance’s strength.

(This persistent assault… Jamil must be here. The plan to redirect ‘White Wolf’s’ attack towards the ‘Grand Alliance’ has failed.)

Jamil observed the ‘Spirit Workshop’ formation while directing his forces.

(As expected, they can’t cover this entire large formation.)

He noticed that many members of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ were in Euphene’s front line, and their coordination was weak.

“Target the front line. Stop the enemy’s advance as much as possible.”

(If we slow their march, the ‘Grand Alliance’ approaching from behind can attack them. That would lead to a three-way battle, and we, being the most agile, will have the upper hand.)

Thus, the front line of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance, which included a mix of ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ and local adventurers, bore the brunt of the most intense assault.

Rick, at the forefront, was frustrated as he endured the rain of arrows.

(Damn it. This pattern again? Even though the enemy’s attack is so blatant, we can’t strike back.)

Rick had been sternly warned by Laurent not to charge in alone.

Any charge should involve at least two people, and only when there was support from the rear.

(But still…)

Rick glanced at the local adventurers beside him.

(I doubt these guys have the courage to charge. Ugh, isn’t there anything we can do? A way to break this stalemate and strike a blow against ‘White Wolf’?)

As Rick pondered, someone suddenly dashed out from beside him.

(!? Who is that?)

It was Elio.

Ignoring the rain of arrows, Elio sprinted up the slope with his shield raised, charging into ‘White Wolf’s’ camp.

(I still thought somewhere deep down that things were fine as they were. That there was no need for change. But…)

In Elio’s mind, he saw the scene of Laurent calming Rick down.

(If we remain weak, Laurent will end up cleaning up our mess. Laurent has been patient, helping us grow. Now it’s our turn to support him!)

Elio charged into a section of the enemy’s defensive line, disrupting their formation.

Seeing this, Rick smiled.

“Ha! There’s someone with guts on this island after all!”

Rick followed Elio, slashing his way into ‘White Wolf’s’ camp. Encouraged by their charge, the other adventurers also surged forward, including the local adventurers among them.

‘White Wolf’ quickly retreated from the scene.

Laurent, who arrived shortly after, was satisfied with Elio’s brave performance.

(You’ve finally awakened. I’ve been waiting for this, Elio.)

[Elio’s Skills]

‘Shield Defense’: A (↑1)

‘Shield Charge’: A (↑1)

Afterward, ‘White Wolf’ retreated swiftly, avoiding any significant losses. However, with the two A-class shield users now reinforcing the front line, the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance repelled every attack from ‘White Wolf’ and safely made their way back to the town.

The townspeople celebrated the return of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ Alliance. Laurent and his companions marched triumphantly through the streets, returning to their newly established workshop.